Tenterden Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Tenterden's crime profile in May 2023 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with property offences accounting for a larger share of reported incidents. The overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 22.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, suggesting a generally lower risk environment. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (33.3% of total), followed by shoplifting (13.3%) and anti-social behaviour (13.3%). This mix of violent and property crimes reflects the area's character as a small built-up area within Ashford, where retail and community spaces may influence local crime dynamics. Seasonal factors in May—such as bank holidays, extended evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contribute to patterns seen in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which both rose in this period. The relatively low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average may indicate effective community policing or a lower prevalence of high-risk environments. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that local retailers and public spaces may require enhanced security measures. The area's crime profile, while lower than national averages, shows specific vulnerabilities that warrant targeted attention from local authorities.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 200% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in criminal damage and arson, highlights a growing trend in property-related offences. Violent crimes, however, remained 24% below the UK average, with 15 reported incidents. The balance between property and violent crime in Tenterden shifted with property crimes accounting for 42% of total incidents compared to 33% for violent crimes. This shift may reflect seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which could contribute to a rise in shoplifting and public disorder. Possession of weapons saw a 471% increase above the UK average, though this remains a small proportion of total crimes. Residents may find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it suggests a need for targeted retail security measures.

Tenterden's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 25.1% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.0 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 22.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show an average of one reported crime per day in Tenterden during May, reflecting a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban areas. When considering the monthly exposure, residents faced a 1-in-161 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the local risk level against the broader population. This metric, while modest, underscores the importance of localised factors such as community engagement and policing strategies in maintaining public safety. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Tenterden's crime profile, though rising, remains distinct from national trends, particularly in its balance between property and violent crime.